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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research

Multifunctional Lignin-Modified Jute/Bio-Epoxy Composites with MWCNT-Based Piezoresistive Self-Sensing for Sustainable Housing Applications

  1. V. Ravi Raj Department of Mechanial Engineering, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai
  2. Deiveegan Ramasamy Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Technology and Applied science, Salalah
  3. Nishanth P Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Gopalan College of Engineering and Management, Bengaluru
  4. Ashokkumar P Department of Civil Engineering, Sona College of Technology, Salem
  5. Mary Zerlin. J Department of Orthopaedic Conditions, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pillayarkuppam
  6. P. Uma Department of Chemistry, Prathyusha Engineering College, Tiruvallur
  7. M M Nandakumar Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, OMR, Chennai
  8. A. Parvathi Priya Department of Chemistry, R.M.K. Engineering College, Kavaraipettai, Chennai
  9. M. Saraswathi Department of Electronics And Communication Engineering, Panimalar Engineering College, Chennai

Abstract

This study develops a multifunctional natural-fibre-reinforced polymer composite based on alkali-treated jute fabric, bio-based epoxy, kraft lignin and a small amount of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), with particular emphasis on polymer-matrix modification, fibre–matrix interfacial behaviour and intrinsic damage sensing. Kraft lignin was incorporated at 0, 2, 4 and 6 wt.% to examine its influence on polymer-chain mobility, interfacial morphology, thermal stability and mechanical response, while 0.5 wt.% MWCNTs was introduced into the selected 4 wt.% lignin formulation to impart piezoresistive functionality. FTIR results indicated enhanced hydrogen-bonding interactions within the polymer–lignin–fibre system, with the O–H band shifting from 3338 cm⁻¹ for JE to 3325 cm⁻¹ for JE-L4. SEM observations showed reduced fibre pull-out and improved polymer adhesion at 4 wt.% lignin, whereas 6 wt.% lignin promoted agglomeration, microvoid formation and incomplete fibre wetting. The JE-L4 composite exhibited a flexural strength of 118.6 MPa and flexural modulus of 5.12 GPa, corresponding to improvements of 28.4% and 22.5%, respectively, relative to the reference JE composite. Its storage modulus increased to 3.31 GPa and glass-transition temperature to 87.6 °C, confirming greater restriction of epoxy-chain mobility. The JE-L4C composite further increased flexural strength and modulus to 121.9 MPa and 5.36 GPa, respectively, while providing an effective gauge factor of approximately 18.7. Overall, 4 wt.% lignin provided the most favourable balance between polymer-network modification, interfacial reinforcement and processability, while MWCNT incorporation transformed the modified bio-epoxy matrix into an electrically responsive phase capable of monitoring strain and progressive damage.

Keywords

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